Top Stories

Once again, the trade deadline was more llama than we needed. More flash, fluff and puff than substance.
Yes, there were some interesting deals done in the last few weeks, but no last-day blockbusters...

In Opinion

Viewpoints

VICTORIA — Which of the following characteristics come to mind when you hear the term “monopoly service?” Efficient, customer-oriented, innovative, high quality or low cost?
If you answered, “none of...

In Technology

Top Stories

OTTAWA - A digital petition once famously forced the White House to provide official comment on an oddball suggestion for stimulating the U.S. economy: building a heavily armed intergalactic space station...

Denim fit tips: Finding the best jeans for your body

Katayoon Yousefbigloo of Gastown’s dutil denim, which specializes in mostly black and blue classic denim, recommends buying jeans that are on the tight side so they’ll still fit well after the denim inevitably stretches out. Jenelle Schneider/PNG

Photograph by: Jenelle Schneider
, PNG

Finding the perfect pair of jeans is no easy task. Our experts provided the following tips to make the process easier.

A midrise jean will go a long way towards concealing a tummy. Lowrise jeans are the main culprit behind the dreaded “muffin top,” says Eryne Ordel, PR and marketing manager for Mavi.

If you’re wearing a skinny jean, pair it with a looser top, which looks chic and camouflages a tummy.

Also, ask an expert for help: Katayoon Youesfbigloo at dutil denim in Gastown says there are many good quality jeans that have stretch — key for comfort — but are still sturdy enough to hold in trouble spots.

The best jeans flatter your derriere. In general, back pockets placed higher give you the illusion of a lift. If you have a flat tush, a slightly bigger pocket will give you the look of a fuller behind, says Ordel. You can also go for a bit more detail on the back pocket to give the illusion of a larger behind.

Conversely, smaller pockets (but not too small) are more flattering if you have a bigger behind, says Ordel.

Many women have experienced a gap at the back of the waistline. If the jean is otherwise perfect, the easiest fix is to take it to a tailor, says Ordel.

If you’re eager to try patterned denim for the first time, a good rule of thumb is to go for a smaller print, such as a houndstooth. “Smaller is better when you’re first starting out. You don’t have to worry about the placement of palm trees or paint splatter,” says Ordel.

The easiest way to wear patterned denim is to keep the top simple and neutral. But since mixing pattern is so popular this year, why not dive in with pattern all over?

Keeping the top and bottom in the same hue will help pull the look together.

But for those who want to make a statement, Ordel’s best tip is to “go big or go home.”

“Throw all caution to the wind and just pair it all,” she says. “Neon pumps, too. Why not?”

Hang dry your jeans to make them last longer. “The dryer is going to destroy the stretch [content]. It basically burns the elastic,” says Ordel.

Not washing your jeans frequently will also make them last longer.

All denim stretches out over time. So in order to buy a pair that’s figure-hugging, you’ll need to go a little smaller and tighter to begin with.

“It’s really hard for a lot of people to believe this, but if you want your jeans to look good six months from now . . . then go a bit tighter than you want,” says Yousefbigloo.

Buying new jeans is akin to buying new swimwear for many women. It can be a painfully long process. The best way to tackle it, however, is to keep an open mind and be ready to try out all different styles — even the ones you normally nix.

Katayoon Yousefbigloo of Gastown’s dutil denim, which specializes in mostly black and blue classic denim, recommends buying jeans that are on the tight side so they’ll still fit well after the denim inevitably stretches out. Jenelle Schneider/PNG

We encourage all readers to share their views on our articles and blog posts. We are committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion, so we ask you to avoid personal attacks, and please keep your comments relevant and respectful. If you encounter a comment that is abusive, click the "X" in the upper right corner of the comment box to report spam or abuse. We are using Facebook commenting. Visit our FAQ page for more information.